Thomas Stokes, co-founder and principal at Drillbit Labs, discusses his career in UX research and the challenges and opportunities in the field. He emphasizes the importance of understanding human factors and psychology in UX research. Stokes also shares insights on adapting research methods to different industries and tailoring approaches to meet clients' needs. He provides advice on assessing a client's UX maturity level and advancing their UX practice. Additionally, he discusses the value of ROI calculations, storytelling, and live sessions in convincing stakeholders to invest in UX research. Stokes also offers guidance for those interested in pursuing a career in UX research.